A Sycamore Township doctor has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges related to a decades-old case of sexual assault, according to an announcement from the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Ohio. The six-count indictment levels serious accusations against 66-year-old Frederick Louis Tanzer, whose DNA has reportedly been linked to a 1989 rape.
In what represents an effort to confront long-buried offenses, Tanzer faces four counts of making false statements to a federal agency or officer and two counts of using or creating false documents. Each of the false statement charges carries a potential five-year prison sentence. These charges circumvent statutes of limitations that typically apply to the alleged underlying offense – a brutal rape that spanned over five hours. The victim attacked in her Cincinnati condominium after returning from work, was a testament to a nightmare undoubtedly held in the silence of history until now.
The Department of Justice's press release reports that Tanzer, taken into custody earlier this month, is being held pending trial. Disturbingly, during the arrest and subsequent search of Tanzer's home, authorities discovered restraints, a gag, a black hat, and zip ties. The indictment alleges that Tanzer made numerous materially false statements when questioned last week, specifically denying any interaction with the victim on the day she was assaulted.
Tanzer's professional life as a physician spanned several states, including Ohio, Kansas, and Colorado, and it's alleged that his criminal activities may also have crossed state lines. Court filings disclose that at least two other victims were identified, having been repeatedly drugged and sexually violated by Tanzer, with incidents occurring as recently as two and a half years ago. Federal officials are urging the public to come forward with any related information, pointing to the possibility of additional victims in the areas where Tanzer has resided.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kelly K. Rossi and Julie D. Garcia, with the support of the FBI and local law enforcement. Kenneth L. Parker, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Special Agent in Charge Elena Iatarola, and Cincinnati Police Chief Teresa A. Theetge have each played a part in bringing this indictment forward. While an indictment only sets forth allegations, Tanzer is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. Members of the public with pertinent information are encouraged to reach out to the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI, underlining the gravity of justice long deferred but yet within reach.
